More than 600 cyclists expected in charity ride

Annual event benefits Community Mental Health Task Force

Cyclist make their way along University Boulevard in Tuscaloosa on July 27, 2012 on the first stretch of the Hot Hundred bicycle ride. This year's race will be held Saturday and is expected to draw more than 600 participants.

Published: Friday, July 26, 2013 at 3:30 a.m.

Last Modified: Thursday, July 25, 2013 at 11:27 p.m.

The Hot Hundred bicycle ride attracted 78 cyclists in 2003, its first year. Last year, 457 cyclists, including riders from New York, Texas, Michigan, New Jersey and Virginia, signed up for the ride.

On Saturday, organizers expect more than 600 cyclists representing at least 20 states to ride in the 11th edition of the Hot Hundred.

The ride, which will begin at 7 a.m. at the University of Alabama’s Recreation Center, provides local and out-of-state cyclists with an opportunity to get to know each other while raising money for charity.

“The main goal of the event is to raise funds for the grants program of the Community Mental Health Task Force,” said Pixie Hicks, the Hot Hundred ride director.

“Grant applications can be approved to assist with medication, transportation and educational expenses, as well as provide a program or service to the community,” she said. “Half of the registration fees support the bicycling advocacy efforts of the Druid City Bicycle Club.”

The club is dedicated to promoting recreational cycling activities in West Alabama.

Saturday’s ride includes routes of 29, 36, 52, 71 and 103 miles. Participants can ride as little or as much as they want.

The idea for organizing a Tuscaloosa bike race that raised money for charity began with two friends, Barry Lawrence and Larry Pierson, who were out for a ride.

“Their basic plan is still in place 11 years later,” Hicks said. “Provide a fun, safe bicycling adventure along lightly traveled roads in Tuscaloosa and Greene counties, offer support … and finishing the day with a great lunch and refreshments.”

To help ensure the safety of the cyclists, the Druid City Bike Club has enlisted the help of the Tuscaloosa police, the Tuscaloosa Department of Transportation, the city Fire and Rescue Service, Northstar Paramedics, DCH Sports Medicine and the West Alabama Amateur Radio Club.

“They all play a huge role in safety and communication,” Hicks said. “Because the event takes place in the blazing heat of late July, we have always enlisted the support of DCH Sports Medicine and medical director Dr. James Robinson. Team trainers are posted at all rest stops and en route in case of heat illness or injury.”

TDOT will close the right-hand lane along Jack Warner Parkway for the cyclists. TPD will provide around 10 motorcycle patrolmen for escort from campus. And Tuscaloosa County sheriff’s deputies and Alabama state troopers will patrol along U.S. Highway 11 and throughout the route.

Hicks said that within weeks of the close of one race, the planning begins all over again.

“I work with a truly dedicated group of people who spend an unbelievable amount of time in planning for a safe and enjoyable event for all,” Hicks said. “We have an amazing group of volunteers, including many involved with the Task Force and DCBC. Without them, the Hot Hundred could never take place.”

Veterans with the Wounded Warrior Project from forts Benning, Stewart and Gordon, will participate in Saturday’s ride. More than 20 military service members are expected to attend this year’s Hot Hundred.

<p>TUSCALOOSA | A Tuscaloosa tradition shows definite signs of building momentum.</p><p>The Hot Hundred bicycle ride attracted 78 cyclists in 2003, its first year. Last year, 457 cyclists, including riders from New York, Texas, Michigan, New Jersey and Virginia, signed up for the ride.</p><p>On Saturday, organizers expect more than 600 cyclists representing at least 20 states to ride in the 11th edition of the Hot Hundred.</p><p>The ride, which will begin at 7 a.m. at the University of Alabama's Recreation Center, provides local and out-of-state cyclists with an opportunity to get to know each other while raising money for charity.</p><p>“The main goal of the event is to raise funds for the grants program of the Community Mental Health Task Force,” said Pixie Hicks, the Hot Hundred ride director.</p><p> “Grant applications can be approved to assist with medication, transportation and educational expenses, as well as provide a program or service to the community,” she said. “Half of the registration fees support the bicycling advocacy efforts of the Druid City Bicycle Club.”</p><p>The club is dedicated to promoting recreational cycling activities in West Alabama.</p><p>Saturday's ride includes routes of 29, 36, 52, 71 and 103 miles. Participants can ride as little or as much as they want.</p><p>The idea for organizing a Tuscaloosa bike race that raised money for charity began with two friends, Barry Lawrence and Larry Pierson, who were out for a ride.</p><p>“Their basic plan is still in place 11 years later,” Hicks said. “Provide a fun, safe bicycling adventure along lightly traveled roads in Tuscaloosa and Greene counties, offer support … and finishing the day with a great lunch and refreshments.”</p><p>To help ensure the safety of the cyclists, the Druid City Bike Club has enlisted the help of the Tuscaloosa police, the Tuscaloosa Department of Transportation, the city Fire and Rescue Service, Northstar Paramedics, DCH Sports Medicine and the West Alabama Amateur Radio Club.</p><p>“They all play a huge role in safety and communication,” Hicks said. “Because the event takes place in the blazing heat of late July, we have always enlisted the support of DCH Sports Medicine and medical director Dr. James Robinson. Team trainers are posted at all rest stops and en route in case of heat illness or injury.”</p><p>TDOT will close the right-hand lane along Jack Warner Parkway for the cyclists. TPD will provide around 10 motorcycle patrolmen for escort from campus. And Tuscaloosa County sheriff's deputies and Alabama state troopers will patrol along U.S. Highway 11 and throughout the route.</p><p>Hicks said that within weeks of the close of one race, the planning begins all over again.</p><p>“I work with a truly dedicated group of people who spend an unbelievable amount of time in planning for a safe and enjoyable event for all,” Hicks said. “We have an amazing group of volunteers, including many involved with the Task Force and DCBC. Without them, the Hot Hundred could never take place.”</p><p>Veterans with the Wounded Warrior Project from forts Benning, Stewart and Gordon, will participate in Saturday's ride. More than 20 military service members are expected to attend this year's Hot Hundred.</p>